MINISTERS have issued a “clarion call” for candidates to come forward and run Hampshire police.

Next year, residents will go to the polls to vote for the controversial post of elected police and crime commissioners.

At the same time a leading think tank said that barely a quarter of the public knew about the elections, and warned that extremist candidates could prosper without a more highprofile campaign.

The duties of the commissioner include setting the council tax precept, planning policing strategy alongside the chief constable, and controlling the force’s multi-millionpound budget.

Policing Minister Nick Herbert said: “These are big jobs for big figures.

So today I am issuing a clarion call for prospective candidates to step forward.”

These could come from the public, private or voluntary sector, and should include women and people from ethnic minority groups. The commissioners would have to consult with victims of crime before setting policy, Mr Herbert said.

The Institute for Government said action was urgently needed to ensure high-calibre people come forward.

Only 27 per cent of adults know about the new crime bosses. If few people are aware of the elections, a low turn-out could allow extremist parties in through the back door.